Another WPP purge: Wunderman suspends ECD Abi Ellis amid investigation

Wunderman’s UK executive creative director, Abi Ellis, has been suspended, pending an investigation.

Ian Haworth, the agency’s chief creative officer, has taken over Ellis’ role temporarily while the claims are investigated.

Ellis joined Wunderman from Cult in December last year, following Haworth’s promotion, and had previously worked at DigitasLBi (now Digitas). She was hired as part of a new top team in the UK last year, led by chief executive Pip Hulbert.

Her suspension comes as Wunderman is currently working through its merger with J Walter Thompson.

First Martin Sorrell, now Abi Ellis. There certainly seems to be a big exercise in house cleaning going on under new WPP CEO Mark Read.

Wunderman Thompson, the merged shop, will have a single P&L from 1 January. Wunderman’s global chief executive, Mel Edwards, will become global chief executive, while JWT global chief executive Tamara Ingram is becoming chairman.